MercyOne ION Robot-Assisted Bronchoscopy is Transforming Patient Care

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center’s latest addition in the fight against cancer is a new robotic-assisted platform, Ion by Intuitive, which enables doctors to perform minimally invasive lung biopsies - navigational bronchoscopy. This new technology, in addition to the new CyberKnife® S7™ System, provides a full continuum of state-of-the-art care for lung cancer patients.

MercyOne Des Moines is one of only 30 medical centers in the country, and the only in Iowa, to be able to perform minimally invasive peripheral lung biopsy using robotic-assisted technology.

The Ion has an ultra-thin, easily controllable catheter that can move 180 degrees in all directions. Doctors can use the catheter to navigate through the lung to reach nodules in any airway segment. The robot’s flexible biopsy needle can also pass through very tight bends via the catheter to collect tissue in the peripheral lung, enabling a more precise biopsy and a safer experience for patients.

On Van Harden in the Morning, MercyOne Des Moines Pulmonologist Blair Westerly, M.D., talked about the importance of the Ion machine and how it is improving patient care.

This new machine was funded by the Campaign for the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center.

“The power of philanthropy to fund lifesaving, innovative equipment is a priority of the Campaign for the Richard Deming Cancer Center. We are thankful to our generous donors who have made this new technology possible to help treat and save Iowans’ lives,” said Shannon Cofield, President of MercyOne Des Moines Foundation.

The Richard Deming Cancer Center will create a center of excellence, which encompasses innovative, multi-disciplinary, patient-centered compassionate cancer care for all Iowans in need.